Bowl roundup; Memphis' double-overtime win over BYU ends in brawl

MIAMI — The Miami Beach Bowl ended in a brawl, with Memphis and BYU players throwing punches after the Tigers pulled off an emotional 55-48 double overtime win.

Memphis sealed the victory when DaShaughn Terry intercepted BYU quarterback Christian Stewart's pass in double overtime. Memphis players raced onto the field to celebrate the victory in the inaugural bowl game played Marlins Park.

Some Memphis players began taunting BYU players and it appeared Memphis linebacker Leonard Pegues may have thrown the first punch, although ESPN's broadcast crew had trouble identifying the first blow as players from both sides tossed punches. Coaches and security officials struggled to separate them.

Players on both sides clearly suffered bruising and were bloodied during the incident.

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As the brawl appeared to be ending, BYU defensive back Kai Nacua had blood streaming down his face and was caught by ESPN cameras sucker punching Memphis tight end Alan Cross.

Eventually, BYU officials helped clear their players off the field while Memphis players continued to celebrate their victory.

"That's not who we are and I'm upset," Memphis Coach Justin Fuente told the ESPN broadcast crew after the brawl. "I hope it doesn't take away from an unbelievable football game. ... We've got to learn how to handle success and act the right way."

The fight overshadowed an entertaining, high scoring game.

Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch brushed off two fourth-quarter interceptions to help steer his team to a win.

Lawyer: 'Fix was in' during Winston hearing

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The lawyer for Jameis Winston's accuser says "the fix was in" when Florida State cleared the star quarterback of violating the school's code of conduct.

Baine Kerr, one of the woman's lawyers, said the university did not conduct a fair hearing earlier this month.

"I don't want to impugn the proceeding as corrupt, but I think it was biased and the fix was in," Kerr said. "It's all about a football game 10 days from today. It turned out to be just a predetermined whitewash to keep a guy playing football."

A two-day hearing was held this month to determine whether the 2013 Heisman winner violated sections of the conduct code— two for sexual misconduct, two for endangerment.

Colorado St. hires Georgia assistant to run offense

Colorado State is turning to another high-profile Southeastern Conference assistant to run its program, bringing in Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo as head coach, according to two people familiar with the negotiations.

Bobo will take over for Jim McElwain, who was hired three years ago after helping Alabama win two national titles as an offensive coordinator. McElwain bolted for Florida after leading the Rams to one of their best regular seasons in program history.

Tuesday's bowl games

Boca Raton Bowl — Northern Illinois (11-2) vs. Marshall (12-1), 6 p.m. (ESPN): A win would give Marshall bowl victories in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2001-02. Northern Illinois' senior class has 46 victories, and with another win, the group will set a school record for victories by any class.

Poinsettia Bowl — Navy (7-5, independent) vs. San Diego State (7-5, 5-3 Mountain West), 9:30 p.m. (ESPN): This is essentially a home game for San Diego State at Qualcomm Stadium, which is either a short drive from campus or a quick trip on the trolley. It's also a Navy town, so the Midshipmen will get their share of support. It's a rematch of the 2010 Poinsettia Bowl, which San Diego State won 35-14.

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